The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has released GH¢400 million to address outstanding claims from healthcare providers across the country.

The amount covers claims for April and May of this year, reiterating the authority’s commitment to improving the sustainability and efficiency of healthcare delivery under the scheme.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Dacosta Aboagye says, "this substantial release not only bridges the debt gap but also reinforces our commitment to a robust and efficient healthcare system. Our continuous efforts to release funds in a timely manner are intended to ensure that outstanding payments are within the agreed three-month reimbursement period”.

 “The payment is crucial for enhancing the quality of care provided to NHIS members and supporting the operational needs of healthcare facilities”, he further emphasized.

Prior to the release, some payments were made to settle some outstanding claims including a GH¢300 million was released to cover claims up to January 2024 for various health facilities.

In August, the NHIA released GH¢151 million to cover claims from March 2024 for higher-tier healthcare providers and from April 2024 for lower-tier facilities. It preceded a GH¢135.6 million payment in July, which settled claims up to February 2024 for higher-tier providers and up to March 2024 for lower-tier facilities.

On April 30, the authority released GHS170,775,035.07 to cover predominantly claims of January and February 2024 for lower-tier facilities, who form the majority of healthcare providers, and up to November 2023 for upper-tier facilities and healthcare providers.

GH¢180 million was paid in March to various categories of healthcare providers across the country for claims submitted and vetted up to December 2023.

The 4,850 Mission, Public, Private, and Quasi-Public healthcare providers nationwide received over 130 million cedis in February this year for claims submitted for the month of October 2023.

 To the authority, the prompt release of funds to care providers contributes to robust healthcare delivery.

“Prompt payment enhances the quality of care provided to NHIS members and supports the operational needs of healthcare facilities. The NHIA’s ongoing financial support is a positive step towards strengthening Ghana’s healthcare system, maintaining strong partnerships with healthcare providers, and ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services to all NHIS subscribers”, Dr. Dacosta said.

Currently, the NHIS Benefit Package covers over 95% of disease conditions affecting residents and includes over 550 formulations on the NHIS medicines list, ensuring comprehensive coverage for all diseases under the scheme.

Dr. Dacosta assures the necessary measures will be adopted to enhance efficiency, “We are grateful to healthcare providers for their dedication and crucial role in the success of the NHIS. The NHIA assures stakeholders that it remains committed to engaging with them to address any concerns and improve the efficiency of service delivery, claims processing, and payments.”